The Memphis Grizzlies faced significant challenges in their recent matchup against the Brooklyn Nets, where a promising start turned into an uphill battle after entering the fourth quarter trailing by just a single point. The deficit ballooned to 13 points within a span of eight minutes, during which the Grizzlies navigated a series of setbacks and adjustments on the court.
Injuries and Absences Complicate Strategy
Among the most pressing issues Memphis faced were injuries to key players. Star guard Ja Morant, who has been a pivotal presence for the team, was noticeably absent from the court for much of the fourth quarter. Jaren Jackson Jr. also spent critical minutes on the bench during this period. Further compounding the Grizzlies' woes, Desmond Bane had to exit the game early due to an oblique injury, while Marcus Smart left with a right ankle injury.
These disruptions meant that Head Coach Taylor Jenkins had to continuously adjust the lineup, a process complicated by the injuries and absences. "There's a lot of things on the table," Jenkins reflected. "We have guys getting hurt in the middle of the game, so we're having to adjust. We're having guys out in the starting lineup, in and out, all that, so that kind of changes things."
Reliance on Bench Depth
In response to the mounting injuries, the Grizzlies were forced to lean heavily on their bench. From the 9:20 to 5:58 mark in the fourth quarter, Memphis utilized an all-bench lineup as Jenkins sought ways to maintain competitiveness despite the challenges. This reliance on depth has been a hallmark of the Grizzlies' approach this season, as they have frequently employed an 11- or 12-man rotation in the opening games.
Moreover, Memphis and the Golden State Warriors stand out as the only teams not averaging at least one player with 30 minutes per game. This strategy underscores a focus on distributing playing time, though it also presents challenges in establishing cohesion and rhythm. Jenkins acknowledged this, noting, "Every game is presenting a new opportunity to try to find chemistry."
Managing Player Workloads
Ja Morant's limited time on the floor also reflects a cautious approach to managing player workloads, particularly in light of his absence from much of the preseason. Jenkins expressed a careful consideration of Morant's playing time, stating, "We're working with him and the medical team about how we want to deploy him over this stretch right now. Obviously, he was out for a portion of preseason, so getting his game legs and conditioning right."
Morant himself emphasized the importance of a measured pace in his return, acknowledging, "Obviously, it's a process. You got to be smart. You don't want to go throw me in there for 36 minutes. God willing, nothing happens, but you just got to be smart."
Struggles Amidst a Grueling Schedule
The opening stretch of the season has tested the Grizzlies significantly. The team embarked on a demanding schedule, with their slate including six games in a span of nine days. Memphis currently holds a 2-3 record, indicative of the challenges they've encountered. Despite these hurdles, the Grizzlies have managed to rank second in the league for offensive pace, showcasing their potential and the intensity with which they approach games.
Leading the team's playing time is Santi Aldama, who averages 27.7 minutes per game. This emphasis on spreading minutes across the roster has yet to yield a game where a player logs 30 minutes or more this season, reflective of their balanced—albeit constantly adjusted—approach.
As the season progresses, Memphis will need to continue adapting to its evolving lineup and ensure its players can sustain the intense pace they have established. The Grizzlies' resilience amidst adversity will be key as they aim to maintain competitiveness and capitalize on the talent within their ranks.